# Driver School at Watkins Glen **URL:** \ **Category:** NYSpeed Automotive\ **Created:** [July 26, 2011, 1:25pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941 "2011-07-26T13:25:41Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 1
**Author:** ![Jackie\_Chiles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/71e660/32.png) [@Jackie\_Chiles](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jackie_Chiles)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2011, 1:25pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/1 "2011-07-26T13:25:41Z")
Anybody have recent experience with this? I see a bunch of outfits offer day-long schools with on track training, but I have no experience with any of them. Like motorcycle track schools, I presume that some car schools are great and some. . . not so much. Any recommendations? ---
**Author:** ![Doespike](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/doespike/32/5083_2.png) [@Doespike](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Doespike)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2011, 1:43pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/2 "2011-07-26T13:43:19Z")
I’ve gone there with the BMWCCA a few times for HPDEs. Very happy with their organization and the instructors I’ve had. They and NASA also offer Teen driving schools if that’s what you’re looking for. [http://www.gvc-bmwcca.org/](http://www.gvc-bmwcca.org/) ---
**Author:** ![Jackie\_Chiles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/71e660/32.png) [@Jackie\_Chiles](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jackie_Chiles)\ **Post date:** [July 26, 2011, 7:49pm UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/3 "2011-07-26T19:49:43Z")
> [@Doespike](#): > > I’ve gone there with the BMWCCA a few times for HPDEs. Very happy with their organization and the instructors I’ve had. They and NASA also offer Teen driving schools if that’s what you’re looking for. > > [http://www.gvc-bmwcca.org/](http://www.gvc-bmwcca.org/) Thanks. Looks like a nice group, but they only offer two day schools and I can’t get away that long right now. Anyone? ---
**Author:** ![GV1390](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/gv1390/32/5432_2.png) [@GV1390](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/GV1390)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 4:14am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/4 "2011-07-27T04:14:07Z")
My grandfather is a instructor there I can ask him any specific details if you want. ---
**Author:** ![Terry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/terry/32/7207_2.png) [@Terry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Terry)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 5:48am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/5 "2011-07-27T05:48:37Z")
Most schools will be 2 days (I actually think all of them might be). Go with the BMW club already posted or Trackmasters, both are awesome. ---
**Author:** ![theblue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/theblue/32/5074_2.png) [@theblue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/theblue)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 6:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/6 "2011-07-27T06:19:49Z")
I’ve always gone with either the BMW or Porsche club events… I prefer the Porsche ones ---
**Author:** ![FadetoBlack](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fadetoblack/32/6118_2.png) [@FadetoBlack](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/FadetoBlack)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 7:33am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/7 "2011-07-27T07:33:42Z")
I always thought that Trackmasters would be cool to do, it’s only 3 hours away and is a hell of a lot cheaper than flying out to Bondurant in AZ (although that would be awesome). I would just need a track worthy car, the GP certainly is not. LOL ---
**Author:** ![POOPRA](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/poopra/32/7188_2.png) [@POOPRA](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/POOPRA)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 7:38am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/8 "2011-07-27T07:38:08Z")
Trackmasters is much more expensive than a BMW or Porsche Club 2 day hosted event at the Glen, but if you can only do one day it might be your best bet since they dont have a one day option. I did a one day school with trackmasters before I knew about the other options. ---
**Author:** ![fairgentleman\_Z](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fairgentleman_z/32/7263_2.png) [@fairgentleman\_Z](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/fairgentleman_Z)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 8:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/9 "2011-07-27T08:19:56Z")
> [@FadetoBlack](#): > > I would just need a track worthy car, the GP certainly is not. LOL This is a misconception that many people have. There is absolutely nothing wrong with tracking an automatic mid-size car. I know of a few S/C GPs that race with moderate success. Not directed (totally) at you… Just sick and tired of people hiding behind the excuse “my car is not worthy”. Take any car, I mean **_ANY_** car that is not falling apart, spend $15 for super blue brake fluid, $100 on cheap track pads (or $200 for good track pads), and now you have a track worthy car. That is it. ---
**Author:** ![FadetoBlack](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fadetoblack/32/6118_2.png) [@FadetoBlack](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/FadetoBlack)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 8:25am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/10 "2011-07-27T08:25:49Z")
> [@fairgentleman Z](#): > > This is a misconception that many people have. There is absolutely nothing wrong with tracking an automatic mid-size car. I know of a few S/C GPs that race with moderate success. > > Not directed (totally) at you… Just sick and tired of people hiding behind the excuse “my car is not worthy”. Take any car, I mean **_ANY_** car that is not falling apart, spend $15 for super blue brake fluid, $100 on cheap track pads (or $200 for good track pads), and now you have a track worthy car. That is it. Good to know. I have no reason not to do it then. Just figured schools like that are filled with cars that aren’t DD’s. I’m running EBC Reds and PowerSlot rotors. I heard that yellows are better for the track though, is that true? ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 8:26am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/11 "2011-07-27T08:26:33Z")
> [@fairgentleman Z](#): > > This is a misconception that many people have. There is absolutely nothing wrong with tracking an automatic mid-size car. I know of a few S/C GPs that race with moderate success. > > Not directed (totally) at you… Just sick and tired of people hiding behind the excuse “my car is not worthy”. Take any car, I mean **_ANY_** car that is not falling apart, spend $15 for super blue brake fluid, $100 on cheap track pads (or $200 for good track pads), and now you have a track worthy car. That is it. Huge +1. Just get out there and drive what you’ve got. Unless your parents put you in competitive carts at 5 years old it’s probably too late to start a real racing career so at this point it’s all about having fun. ---
**Author:** ![Jackie\_Chiles](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/71e660/32.png) [@Jackie\_Chiles](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Jackie_Chiles)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 9:27am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/12 "2011-07-27T09:27:15Z")
> [@POOPRA](#): > > Trackmasters is much more expensive than a BMW or Porsche Club 2 day hosted event at the Glen, but if you can only do one day it might be your best bet since they dont have a one day option. I did a one day school with trackmasters before I knew about the other options. How did you like the TM school? I think the cost is $280. How much do the PCA/BMW 2 day schools run? ---
**Author:** ![theblue](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/theblue/32/5074_2.png) [@theblue](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/theblue)\ **Post date:** [July 27, 2011, 11:14am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/13 "2011-07-27T11:14:38Z")
PCA/BMW 2 day events are typically $3xx-$5xx ---
**Author:** ![Terry](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/terry/32/7207_2.png) [@Terry](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/Terry)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 6:16am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/14 "2011-07-28T06:16:20Z")
I think Trackmasters is pretty close on pricing with the BMW club. I’ve heard mixed reviews on with Porsche group. ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 6:19am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/15 "2011-07-28T06:19:47Z")
> [@fairgentleman Z](#): > > This is a misconception that many people have. There is absolutely nothing wrong with tracking an automatic mid-size car. I know of a few S/C GPs that race with moderate success. > > Not directed (totally) at you… Just sick and tired of people hiding behind the excuse “my car is not worthy”. Take any car, I mean **_ANY_** car that is not falling apart, spend $15 for super blue brake fluid, $100 on cheap track pads (or $200 for good track pads), and now you have a track worthy car. That is it. You’re forgetting the cost of tires. ---
**Author:** ![JayS](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jays/32/15375_2.png) [@JayS](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/JayS)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 6:24am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/16 "2011-07-28T06:24:37Z")
> [@boardjnky4](#): > > You’re forgetting the cost of tires. Even at Dunnville I didn’t destroy a set of tires in a day. ---
**Author:** ![fairgentleman\_Z](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/fairgentleman_z/32/7263_2.png) [@fairgentleman\_Z](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/fairgentleman_Z)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 8:51am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/17 "2011-07-28T08:51:03Z")
> [@boardjnky4](#): > > You’re forgetting the cost of tires. O.K… $10 for used tires at Fox, which I have done for track days. So $40 total, really breaking the bank on that one. Direzzas will last 18-24 hours straight WITHOUT rotating, with rotation well over 48 hours, or about 24+ lapping days. $600 for the “big” sizes so $25 each track day for tire consumption. But I keep forgetting that excuses are free. :bloated: ---
**Author:** ![jgrotkier](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/j/e79b87/32.png) [@jgrotkier](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jgrotkier)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 8:56am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/18 "2011-07-28T08:56:24Z")
> [@FadetoBlack](#): > > I always thought that Trackmasters would be cool to do, it’s only 3 hours away and is a hell of a lot cheaper than flying out to Bondurant in AZ (although that would be awesome). > > I would just need a track worthy car, the GP certainly is not. LOL I’ve seen a Taurus (the late body) and a Camry at the Glen with trackmasters. Any car can drive on the track. 99% of drivers are slower than their cars are capable of the first few times out anyway. ---
**Author:** ![jeffthespasm](https://yyz2.discourse-cdn.com/flex034/user_avatar/forums.speedlife.net/jeffthespasm/32/3153_2.png) [@jeffthespasm](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/jeffthespasm)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 9:49am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/19 "2011-07-28T09:49:05Z")
> [@jgrotkier](#): > > I’ve seen a Taurus (the late body) and a Camry at the Glen with trackmasters. Any car can drive on the track. 99% of drivers are slower than their cars are capable of the first few times out anyway. All very true. The pace car at the Glen is a Camry too, isn’t it? ---
**Author:** ![boardjnky4](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/96bed5/32.png) [@boardjnky4](https://forums.speedlife.net/u/boardjnky4)\ **Post date:** [July 28, 2011, 10:08am UTC](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941/20 "2011-07-28T10:08:27Z")
> [@fairgentleman Z](#): > > O.K… $10 for used tires at Fox, which I have done for track days. So $40 total, really breaking the bank on that one. > > Direzzas will last 18-24 hours straight WITHOUT rotating, with rotation well over 48 hours, or about 24+ lapping days. $600 for the “big” sizes so $25 each track day for tire consumption. > > But I keep forgetting that excuses are free. :bloated: soo, 600 for tires, 350 for track fees, 300 for brake upgrades, yeah it only costs $1,250 to get into it for the first time. That’s totally reasonable. Sorry I am being negative, but it’s really intimidating to throw over a grand at something like this for the first time. The tires are the deal breaker. I am not going to run my street tires on the track and wreck them. So, that means i’ll probably need to get a spare set of wheels and tires too. It’s something I’ve really wanted to do for a long time now, but the cost is definitely not as cheap as you make it sound. [Next page](https://forums.speedlife.net/t/driver-school-at-watkins-glen/214941.md?page=2)